Five Skills and Qualifications All Accountants Should Consider

Working as an accountant requires a professional attitude and a relevant degree. As you begin your search for how to become an accountant, you must learn about the required training and education. Accountants work in a variety of fields, including business accounting and public accounting. Public accountants complete and file taxes for individuals.

Regardless of which type of accounting you choose, you need be aware of the skills and qualifications needed to be an accountant. In general, accounting recruiters are looking for accountants with:

1. Strong communication skills, regardless of the fields in which they specialize. Accountants often use industry jargon and words that outsiders might not understand. Explaining yourself carefully, telling clients exactly what they need to know, and using simple words and phrases are necessary parts of the job.
   
    
2. A post-secondary degree. If you need to know how to become an accountant, you need to be aware that it begins with a degree. A two-year degree is suitable for some positions, typically those in smaller businesses, but a Bachelor's degree may give you more options for employment. It often takes four to five years to complete the degree.
   
    
3. A certification. Some workers look for information on how to become an accountant because they want to work as CPAs. A certified public accountant is someone who takes both a CPA exam and an ethics exam. You can only take those exams after finishing at least 150 hours of courses in an accredited college or university.
   
    
4. The ability to multitask. At any given moment in time, you might have dozens of clients who all need something different done. Multitasking is especially important during the tax season because you need to meet specific deadlines, handle the needs of every client, and work with clients who might wait until the last minute to ask for help.
   
    
5. Strong computer skills. Accountants work on computers every day, and if you're interested in learning how to become an accountant, you need experience with different databases and programs. According to a recent article by Curt Finch, many businesses now use mobile apps, and as an accountant, you need some experience with these apps. Some companies allow workers to learn on the job, while others look for employees who already have experience. Doing an internship during college can teach you some of the skills you need.

Working in accounting gives you the opportunity to work for a smaller company, seek employment in a larger organization, or start your own accounting firm. Strong communication skills, the ability to multitask, experience with computers, and a college degree can all help you achieve success in the field. If you want to know how to become an accountant, start by learning the skills you'll need for the job.

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